Imagine a warm yellow sun streaming muted light across a table laid close to the grey blue ocean. The table overflowing with food stacked so artfully it seems to have just been tossed randomly and landed in perfect composition.

Chef Laura Took Care of Us

Am I describing a memory, a painting, an actual place or should I just get to the point and tell you? I am, in the style of the post impressionist painter
Cezanne, (whose name graces the fine dining restaurant
Cezanne inside the hotel
Le Merigot in Santa Monica), describing all of the above.

Cezanne, Le Merigot's acclaimed restaurant, is a feast for all the senses. With menus inspired by local Farmer's Markets fresh, seasonal ingredients, and with world-class professional table service in the European tradition,
Chef Desi Szonntagh provides an exceptional dining experience.

Polenta with Savory Meaty Mushrooms

Parmesan Artichoke Strozzapreti Pasta

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served seven days a week, including a scrumptious weekend brunch, both inside and on the adjoining patio.
Cezanne's decor is beautiful, bold, dramatic and comfortable. As you would expect the restaurant is decorated with the art of
Cezanne and adorned with the rich warm colors he was so fond of painting. Favorite decorating elements for me are the gorgeous banquette seating and the beautiful blown art glass made into stunning lighting features. The restaurant is both beautifully sophisticated and comfortable all at once.

When we drove up to
Le Merigot and immediately entered the property, we were swept away by luxury. After valeting our car, we were escorted to the dining room, greeted by the staff and shown to a table in the middle with wonderful views of the outdoor eating area and the rest of the dining room. We were given menus and our drink orders were taken, and then the fun began.
Sous Chef Laura came out to greet us and to make her recommendations for our meals. She told us about the menu and offered to do a tasting menu for us. After finding out about our likes and dislike, example--I donâ€™t eat fish--we decided to leave everything in her hands and be surprised.

We made the right choice, dish after dish came out of the kitchen with inspiration for everyoneâ€™s palate. We started the evening with
Ahi Sashimi which was described by sushi lovers as "the best!" Followed by
Seared Scallops with
Jumbo Lump Crab which was a crescendo of flavors, and a savory creamy and delicate
Parmesan Artichoke Strozzapreti Pasta. We then moved into the soup course which was their
Crab Bisque with chunks of juicy lobster and a
Wild Mushroom Bisque. Then came a dark, rustic and heady
Polenta with
Wild Mushrooms in a wine and truffle sauce. Right here we could have stopped and been completely satisfied and even a bit dazzed at the culinary delights
Chef Desi Szonntagh had created for
Cezanne and brought to life by
Chef Laura.

Fresh Fruit Cobbler with Vanilla Sauce

But that was not to be our fate. The multi-talented
Chef Laura had more enchantments up her sleeve which proved to leave us amazingly dazzled!

We floated on a cloud of pure satisfaction as we made our way through the elegant upscale lobby to our cars. Marveling as a bartender greeted us as we passed by asking if we had enjoyed our meal and encouraged us to join them again.

Cezzane Restaurant - Exquisite Dining

Join them again? Yes we will! Actually again and again and again. If you are in the mood for, not just dining, but a fine dining experience, try
Cezanne you - wonâ€™t be disappointed.

Le Merigot, A JW Marriott Beach Hotel and Spa is centrally located within the heart of Santa Monica on Ocean Avenue. With the great Pacific Ocean in its backyard, the hotel is nine miles north of Los Angeles International Airport and a short drive to major Southern California attractions.

The Ambiance is Lovely Cezzane Restaurant

Reminiscent of the fine hotels on Franceâ€™s Cote dâ€™Azur,
Le Merigot blends European elegance with the vibrant lifestyle of Southern California. The propertyâ€™s subtle design and presentation of European elegance stands in direct contrast to the more traditional beach dwellings that the property neighbors and has helped
Le Merigot distinguish itself from the competition.